TTM Success - Charley Trippi

I was bored one day and thought I would look up some older football players who sign TTM.  I wanted to add some old Topps and Bowman football cards to my album, since I thought those old cards looked really cool.

I bought 8 cards featuring 6 players and sent them all out a couple weeks ago.  The first one to come back was Pro Football Hall of Famer, Charley Trippi.  This is a 1950 Bowman, and shows him as a Chicago Cardinal.  That's right, at one point, there were two teams in Chicago.  I don't really follow football, so I had no idea that the Cardinals were in Chicago.  I did remember when they were in St. Louis and moved to Arizona.

Trippi (b. 1922) will be 95 on December 14.  He played professionally from 1947 to 1955, all for the Chicago Cardinals.  In his career, he had 3,506 rushing yards, 23 rushing touchdowns, 1,321 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns.  He won the NFL Championship with the Cardinals in 1947.  He played as a halfback, defensive back and also a quarterback.  His quarterback record over two seasons (1951 and 1952) was 5-12-0.  He was a 2-time Pro Bowler (1952 and 1953) and First Team All Pro in 1948.

He played all over the field, as well.  Not only as a halfback and quarterback,  but he also returned punts and kickoffs.  He returned punts and kicks in his career to a total of 864 yards, and had two return touchdowns (both in 1948).

Trippi attended the University of Georgia from 1942 to 1946, where he led the Bulldogs to a Rose Bowl Championship in 1943.  He was also that game's MVP.  He missed the 1944 season while serving in the military in World War II.  He was the first overall pick in the 1945 NFL draft.  When he retired from the NFL, he had compiled the most total yards of offense by any player in NFL history.

He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1959 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968.  From what I could find, he is the oldest living member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the 15th oldest living former player, according to the website oldestlivingprofootball.com.  I'm not sure how often they update their page.  It was weird, baseball has an ongoing list that is updated regularly on Wikipedia, but football doesn't have one.

I mailed to Trippi on November 7 and got my card back on November 13, for a 6-day TAT.

For my first of the vintage football cards to come back, I sure hit on a winner!

A Second TTM Success From Del Crandall

I like to make sure that I have older, defunct teams represented in my autograph album.  It occurred to me that I didn't have any Boston Braves cards yet, so I went to Ebay and picked up two cards of Del Crandall as a Boston Brave so I could ensure that they were there.  The above 1950 Bowman is such a nice card.  I love the old school catcher's gear on this one.  1950 Bowman is such a really nice set.  I think they look awesome.

I also added this 1952 Topps.  This one, you can really see the Boston Braves logo, which really helps my goal.  I also enjoy adding 1952 cards to the collection.

I mailed this request to Crandall on March 31 and got the cards back on April 29, for a 29-day TAT.  I also included a check for $10.00 to cover his fee of $5/card.

National Free Signer - Bobby Shantz

We met free signer Bobby Shantz during the Wednesday Sneak Peek at the National.  Unfortunately, the wait in line was excruciating and it set the tone for most of the other VIP free signers for the rest of the show.

Shantz, himself, was really nice, and did take the time to chat with everyone.  I was afraid I would miss out on him, so I waited in line for over 2 hours to get him.  By the time I got up to him, Andrew had given up and gave me his ticket.  I used both name tickets for my and Andrew's cards.  They both turned out great.

Andrew and I both got 1950 Bowman Shantz cards signed.  This is Shantz's rookie card.  During my chat with Shantz, he noted that this card was an old one.  I asked him if he kept any of his cards and he said no, but fans sent him cards all of the time.  He said that he rarely sees this one, though.  He seemed happy to see and sign it.  The card turned out great.

I am happy to have met Shantz.  He was a really nice, friendly guy.  I'm also glad I was able to help Andrew out and get his card signed as well.  Too bad the line was ridiculous.  I might have to approach the free signers differently next year, because those lines killed my legs and feet this year.

Remembering Bob Feller

It was with great sadness that I learned tonight that Bob Feller has passed away at the age of 92. He was battling health issues for the last year, most recently being entered into Hospice care due to complications with Leukemia and Pneumonia.
Feller is considered maybe the greatest pitcher of all time. He had a career record of 266-162, ERA of 3.25 and 2,581 strikeouts. He threw 3 no hitters and 12 one hitters in his career and is responsible for the second fastest pitch ever recorded at 107.9 MPH at Griffith Stadium in 1946. Feller led the league in wins 6 times; strikeouts 7 times; ERA one time and shutouts 4 times.
He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1962 with 93.8% of the vote (missing out on 10 ballots). He had been the longest tenured living Hall of Famer, having been in the hall for 48 years. The new longest tenured member is now Stan Musial, who was elected in 1969.Bob Feller missed the 1942-1944 and most of the 1945 seasons after enlisting in the Navy immediately following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Imagine what his career numbers might look like had he not had to enlist. He was awarded with 5 campaign ribbons and 8 battle stars. He is the only chief petty officer in the Baseball Hall of Fame. When Pete sent me the message tonight, I was upset. I discovered Feller while branching my collection out to vintage cards last year. I was able to get his auto from the Bob Feller Museum. I'm glad I went through them to get the ball, as my money went to a great place. If anyone is interested, check out www.bobfellermuseum.org , I hope I get a chance to visit there one day. I hope everyone has a chance to take a look at just how great Bob Feller was. He was one of the greatest baseball players of all time and was also one of the greatest Americans of all time. If you aren't familiar with Feller, I highly recommend you do some reading up on him; I'd definitely start by checking out the museum webpage. He definitely will be remembered. He will always be one of my favorite players, even though I never got to see him play. I still appreciate the impact he had on the game, and on my life. He is definitely a sports figure one could look up to. Rest in peace Mr. Feller. I feel like crying, but I know that he wouldn't want people to cry for him, he'd want them to appreciate the full life that he lived.

Mailday! 1950 Bowman - Virgil Trucks

Virgil Trucks has fast become a popular figure on my blog because of his TTM generosity. You can read about what I have received from him here and here. I was a little upset when I realized that I didn't have a single one of his cards from his playing days, so I went to Ebay and fixed that issue. I like the 1950 Bowmans, I already have the Kiner and Feller from that set. I'm happy that I have this one now. I can finally say that I have one of his Bowman cards and I plan on adding a lot more to the list.

Happy Birthday Bob Feller

Bob Feller turned 92 yesterday. Wow!! Happy Birthday to one of the greatest pitchers of all time. He is still one of the best ambassadors of the game and a truly great American. I hope he has many more birthdays, even though he was diagnosed with Leukemia earlier in the summer. As he celebrates his birthday, enjoy the 1948, 1950 and 1952 Bowmans that I have been able to pick up.

Ebay Pickup - 1950 Bowman Ralph Kiner

I have something cool Kiner related coming soon, so I went on Ebay looking for an affordable Kiner card and found this:
A 1950 Bowman Ralph Kimer. Obviously, it isn't mint, but in pretty decent shape, for a 60-year old card.

The back also looks pretty good. I'm quite happy with it. I hope you guys enjoy it as well!!!

Ebay Steal - 1950 Bowman Bob Feller

I have realized lately that I really like Bob Feller. I think I have said this before, but man, I think he is still amazing after all these years.

That being said, I think I'm going to try to get all of his Bowman cards. Shouldn't be too hard a task, right? Well, maybe for me, at least for now. I just bought a new car and have to take on a payment again after not having a car payment for the last 3 years. I'm sure I can do it just fine, but it is definitely going to take a little getting used to. Anyway, back to the topic at hand...
Here is the 1950 Bob Feller I picked up this week for under $20 shipped on Ebay. You cans ee the corners are rough, but the picture is great. I love how this one scanned. Still so vibrant after 60 years! Crazy, right?

The back of the card looks good too. I always enjoy reading about any of Mr. Feller's accomplishments (of which there are many). I hear a soundbyte they play on XM a lot from Feller talking about how he threw 107.9 mph in 1941 and then someone mentioning to him, 'Hey, did you see that guy? He threw 102.' Fellers response? 'So what, that's my change-up.'